Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75 after battling stage four cancer.
His family confirmed the news on Monday. They said Keegan passed away surrounded by his wife and daughters.
“It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75,” the family said in a statement.
“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.”
“Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”
Keegan was one of England’s greatest footballers. He played nearly 750 club matches during a brilliant career. He won three First Division titles, one European Cup and two UEFA Cups with Liverpool.
He also enjoyed great success with Hamburg in Germany. He won the Bundesliga title and became one of only a few English players to lift the Ballon d’Or twice. He claimed the award in 1978 and 1979.
After retiring, Keegan became a manager. He transformed Newcastle United after taking charge in 1992. He saved the club from relegation and later guided them to the Premier League. Newcastle came close to winning the league title in the 1995 and 1996 season before finishing second.
Keegan later managed England between 1999 and 2000. He also led Manchester City back to the Premier League after winning the First Division title in 2002. He returned to Newcastle in 2008 for a second spell but left later that year.
Tributes poured in from across football after the news of his death.
Newcastle called him “one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.”
Former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer wrote, “My hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.”
Liverpool said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss. His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on.”
The England national team also paid tribute.
“We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away. Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and former clubs.”
Keegan leaves behind one of the finest legacies in English football. He made his mark as both a world class player and a successful manager. His influence on the game will be remembered for generations.
